The Journey to Find Memories
Kowloon Junior School , Ma , Abigail - 10
P
rologue : The Dream “ Do we have to ?” a woman asked holding back tears and holding her daughter close . “ You know we do .” I heard a man ’ s voice filled with sadness . As the woman placed the cradle containing a note , blanket and the baby onto the doorstep , the baby screamed for the woman ’ s warm embrace . The couple took one last look at their daughter then disappeared into the shadows .
January 13th was the day when my parents told me the news that made me feel as if I could not trust anyone . “ Qiu Yue , we need to talk to you .” My father said looking very serious , my mother staying silent as they led me to the living room . “ What is it ?” I asked , confused . “ You ’ re adopted .” my mother whispered in a shaky breath . “ Master Wei heard the cries of a scared baby and so he rushed out to find you inside a cradle with a note from your parents .” My father continued in a low voice , giving me the note . “ Why didn ’ t you tell me before ?” I asked , shocked and angry . They stayed silent . I ran into my room thinking about what had just happened . I decided that tomorrow I would ask Master Wei of our monastery if I could go to the special monk who lived on Mount Xian inside a temple . People said that he could tell you anything . Just before we had the prayers and offerings ceremony , I found Master Wei doing Tai Chi in the Garden of Wishes . “ Excuse me , Master Wei . May I have a quick word with you ?” I asked timidly not wanting to disturb him . “ Of course Qiu Yue .” He said sitting cross-legged on the ground . I sat down then told him my idea . He thought about it then said “ I don ’ t think it ’ s safe if you go alone , just promise that you will keep Qian En safe .” “ How did you know that I would want Qian En with me ?” “ I know that you two are like siblings . Unless you …” “ No it ’ s okay Master Wei , he can come .” I interrupted quickly . “ Now that you have my permission you should ask your parents as well .” He said before continuing Tai Chi . I immediately went to my parents telling them about how I had gotten permission and needed theirs too . My parents agreed on one condition , I had to bring a dagger for protection , which was passed down from my adopted father ’ s generation . We also prayed to the Buddha hoping he would send a spirit guide . A ghost floated in saying , “ I am Master Liu , your guide .”
The adventure began on January 15 th .
Together we hiked until we were exhausted . As it got dark we began to stumble , and decided to find a place to sleep . Awakened by the sound of birds singing , I sat up . ‘ Where am I ?’ I thought still confused , but seeing Qian En sleeping soundly , I realized I was on my journey . I woke him up and told him that we had to pack up and eat while hiking . I was impatient to get to the temple . We waded through a large pond and hiked over a plain of flowers , Qian En accidentally stepped on two hornets pollinating a flower . A group of Asian Giant Hornets flew towards us angrily . “ Oh no ! I ’ m allergic to the venom of the Asian Giant Hornet !” screamed Qian En in fear . “ What are we going to do ?” I asked . There was no discussion needed , we ran as fast as we could . We were almost at the temple when I turned around realizing that Qian En had been stung multiple times and had fallen to the ground . “ No !” I screamed . I threw my dagger hoping to hit as many hornets as I could . The hornets retreated bringing my dagger and the dead hornets with them . Too shocked to move , I stood there while Master Liu went to get Qian En ’ s body . We walked into the temple cautiously . “ Come here Qiu Yue .” said a voice . “ What knowledge do you seek ?” he asked . “ I want to know about my parents and why they left me to the monks .” I blurted out , desperate for the information .